This is written in appreciation of my father. I hope you will consider the people in your own life and why you appreciate them.
Like my mom, my dad has instilled in me a desire to do the best I can with what I have. Both my parents have mentored me in following Christ and caring for others, and I aspire to be like them.
My dad teaches middle school special education for students with emotional disabilities. That means that he regularly puts up with verbal attacks, violent behavior, and resistance to authority, and still comes home smiling most days. He's one of the most caring, patient, servant-hearted people I know.
When I wanted to learn how to throw a football (so P.E. wasn't so embarrassing), he was always willing to practice with me. We went to many UVA football games together, and I could yell the team cheer with the best of them. He taught me how to drive and how to keep track of money. He makes the best omelets. More than anything, I love to laugh with him.
In the face of life decisions and career choices, I am especially grateful for the presence of my dad. Many people act as if making a career change would be up there with flea infestations and getting a concussion. Because the idea of picking something and sticking with it for 30+ years has never really appealed to me, I often find it difficult to respond to this type of attitude.
But I know my dad majored in accounting, worked for five years as an accountant and didn't like it, and switched rather drastically to a career as a school counselor, all before I was born (or old enough to remember). And later, I watched him switch to teaching special ed because of a job opportunity and end up loving it.
All this has taught me about following your passion, even if there are obstacles in your way. In less than a year, I will graduate from EMU and be an alleged "adult" (heh heh). At this point, it's hard for me to see myself choosing a career path and sticking with it for 40 years -- and it means a lot to me to have a role model who has navigated these life changes with grace and perseverance.
All in all, my dad has been a supportive, calming, and quietly inspirational presence in my life. Perhaps what speaks the most to me is that he rarely exerts his influence of character with words; instead, he inspires me with his life.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
summer, part two
I've learned an incredible amount from volunteering the past six weeks, especially from the people I've worked with -- and not just about gardening or running a fair-trade store; I've learned a lot from them as good-hearted, beautiful people. Being at home has been wonderful, too. I've spent time with my family and many friends, and it has been a mix of restful and happy and vivid. So really, this stage of summer has been everything I could have hoped for.
On Monday I start training at Highland. I could be sad to leave this relaxed, life-giving period of time, except that I know that my time at camp will be every bit as inspiring.
As a third-time counselor, I know the basics of what to expect: spending every minute of every day outside, throwing ourselves into lots of high-energy activities, bringing laughter into almost every situation, and letting the craziest parts of our personalities come out. It's an amazing 2-month period to anticipate. The best, in fact: I know, without a doubt, that I will be completely and indescribably happy.
But, as a third-time counselor, I also know that not everything can be anticipated. The reason so many people spend summer after summer as a camp counselor is because the role is never static. Each week brings a new set of campers, and with them, a new set of challenges and joys. Every day allows you to experience something beautiful and transforming, if you are open to being transformed.
I have no regrets about any of my experiences as a counselor, and yet I know with certainty that I could be better in countless ways. So I'm praying that this summer I will be more patient, more open, and more giving with the girls in my cabin groups, and that I will be receptive to what they need. I'm praying for closeness as a team of staff, and for friendships that will last for years. Most of all, I hope and pray that Highland and its family will be a community of people following Jesus, showing God to everyone who visits. Pray for us as we start another journey this summer!
On Monday I start training at Highland. I could be sad to leave this relaxed, life-giving period of time, except that I know that my time at camp will be every bit as inspiring.
As a third-time counselor, I know the basics of what to expect: spending every minute of every day outside, throwing ourselves into lots of high-energy activities, bringing laughter into almost every situation, and letting the craziest parts of our personalities come out. It's an amazing 2-month period to anticipate. The best, in fact: I know, without a doubt, that I will be completely and indescribably happy.
But, as a third-time counselor, I also know that not everything can be anticipated. The reason so many people spend summer after summer as a camp counselor is because the role is never static. Each week brings a new set of campers, and with them, a new set of challenges and joys. Every day allows you to experience something beautiful and transforming, if you are open to being transformed.
I have no regrets about any of my experiences as a counselor, and yet I know with certainty that I could be better in countless ways. So I'm praying that this summer I will be more patient, more open, and more giving with the girls in my cabin groups, and that I will be receptive to what they need. I'm praying for closeness as a team of staff, and for friendships that will last for years. Most of all, I hope and pray that Highland and its family will be a community of people following Jesus, showing God to everyone who visits. Pray for us as we start another journey this summer!
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